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Priory Alumnus Shares Faith and Love for Alma Mater
Brother. Athlete. Student. Alumnus. Teacher. Coach. Administrator.
Mike Nickolai ’03 has worn many hats at Saint Louis Priory School and made a great impact on the community.
Student At Priory
“I first remember Mike as a friendly, eager-to-learn youngster at Priory soccer camp before he even began as a student,” says Priory Associate Director of College Counseling and Coach, John Mohrmann. “Later, I was fortunate to work with him in English class and in soccer. During his years as a student, he was a truly exceptional thinker and writer, demonstrating his creative gifts in countless ways. He excelled in creative writing in class; he wrote the scripts for STUCO skits; and he composed a full-length play for his senior exhibition.”
Mike Nickolai ’03 senior picture
During his time as a student, Nickolai was about as involved as any student could be.
He served as a STUCO officer and varsity soccer captain, and he also led in so many other more subtle ways, according to Mohrmann. “He was one of those rare students who struck just the right mix of seriousness and humor and managed to get along with all students and teachers, all while embracing the spiritual mission of the school. I truly believe Mike was the quintessential Priory student, and he has become the ideal teacher and administrator.”
Nickolai says he loved being at Priory. “I even enjoyed the academic challenges. I developed my full potential at Priory. My friends from seventh and eighth grade Advisory are my friends to this day.”
A Lifelong Community of Support
In May 2001, Nickolai and three classmates were in a serious car accident. He says the care that he and his family felt is something he will never forget. “The teachers, monks, and my friends and their families were there for us. This community supports you.”
After graduating from Priory in 2003, Nickolai graduated from Washington University in St. Louis. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree double majoring in English literature and film studies, while also minoring in French. After his undergraduate studies, he worked in Washington, D.C., as a faculty member of a high school leadership program.
It was there Nickolai met his wife, Megan. In 2008, he moved to Athens, Georgia, and enrolled in a graduate program in English education at the University of Georgia.
Nickolai speaks fondly of being a part of the lifelong community that Priory affords students and their families. When he got married, Father Michael Brunner, O.S.B. married the couple. Thirteen members from his graduating class attended his wedding. “Many of my Priory friends traveled 500 miles to come to my wedding. The friendships you form at Priory are very special,” he says.
— Mike Nickolai ‘03
Returning To Priory
When Nickolai was in the master’s program at the University of Georgia, Mohrmann called him to let him know about a teaching job that was opening at Priory.
“I had stayed in touch with John, and he suggested I should interview for the English teacher position,” says Nickolai. “In the spring of 2010, I came to interview and got the job. We got engaged in May. Megan still had one year left in law school, so we had a long-distance relationship for a little while. She took the Missouri Bar exam and has been working in St. Louis since.”
Nickolai and his wife have three children. Sadie is 7 years old, Mary Margaret is 5 years old, and Jack is 2 years old. Their parish is Christ the King in University City. Nickolai’s extended family has been a part of the Priory community for many years as well. “My uncles went to Priory and my grandma was a big supporter. My oldest brother started at Priory when I was 4 years old. The monks have been a part of my entire life. Priory has always been very connected to my family.”
“Priory is my spiritual home,” Nickolai added. “The people here who know you really care for you. The monks have been there for us through a lot of family events. I knew I could always come back to Priory as a spiritual center.”
Mike Nickolai ‘03 with his wife Megan and children Sadie, Mary Margaret and Jack
Dedication
— Jon-Pierre Mitchom, Director of Equity and Inclusion
Headmaster Father Cuthbert Elliot, O.S.B., ’02, says Nickolai makes sacrifices daily for the people he loves. “Mike is principled, kind, and devoted to expressing his faith through service. He exemplifies the servant-leader we are all called to be.”
Another way Nickolai has shared his devotion to his faith and to Priory is by being a part of the International Commission on Benedictine Education (ICBE) and the Benedictine Leadership Institute (BLI). The programs allow him to learn and share with others. The ICBE is a group of Benedictine educators from 23 schools. It is designed to share best practices and allow members to get to know one another.
After attending a conference with the group in Rome and meeting people from all over the world, he thought it was time for him to share what he had learned with Priory faculty and staff.
“It got me thinking — what does a Benedictine education mean?” says Nickolai. “I really enjoyed it. I hadn’t thought beyond the monks being here.”
This past summer he organized a colloquium for Priory faculty and staff, and he hopes to grow the program.
According to Priory’s Director of Equity and Inclusion, Jon-Pierre Mitchom, “The colloquium was invaluable. I’m sure at times we need a reminder of ‘The Why’ of what we’re doing here at Priory and what the mission is at hand. The colloquium addressed this need with great depth and insight. It was also nice to see colleagues in a different light.”
Mitchom continued, “Mike is an excellent example of demonstrating the Benedictine Hallmark of Love of God and Neighbor. His dedication to our Catholic and Benedictine identity is shown through his involvement with Tutoria and our Chaplaincy programming. His interaction with students, parents, and faculty is imbued with the kind of love for neighbor that we read about in the holy scriptures.”
“Mike exemplifies the Benedictine leader through his deep faith and his love and care for the students. Whether as an English teacher, JV soccer coach, STUCO moderator, or administrator, Mike embodies the true mission of Priory through his support of the academic, social, and spiritual purpose,” says Mohrmann. “And now, after many years, in addition to his tireless dedication to the school, he sets the most powerful example of Christian love and goodness through his faithful dedication as husband, father, friend, teacher, and colleague.”
Mike Nickolai ’03 at the 2021 Priory Golf Scramble
